tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17267952389314446092024-03-21T13:33:13.428-05:00Random Thoughts TracyPonderings on being a Woman, Wife, Mother, Sister, Child, and Friend.Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-8465502934175940642010-01-02T21:19:00.002-06:002016-09-04T15:45:50.700-05:00I've moved the blogFind me now at <a href="http://tracybugcreative.com/">tracybugcreative.com</a>Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-81311661742052590772009-05-23T08:31:00.003-05:002009-05-23T08:45:01.986-05:00Early Second Trimester Lull...Here are the kids on a friends motorcycle or "mo-widle" as Jameson calls it... they totally dig it, of course..! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQXMzGHRvU0IInpwnPxvjgKI1pIEwBoIth85SKCRYJAwfDrN0oSAVAJjJ1RIDexjGEQ3MHXNehlXV95xFrJREdeF43c4SZgQpSSYDWHX3NhjWg2jjN-IvPEg6ZCyxZKQPHa8k_4lkj2Q/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQXMzGHRvU0IInpwnPxvjgKI1pIEwBoIth85SKCRYJAwfDrN0oSAVAJjJ1RIDexjGEQ3MHXNehlXV95xFrJREdeF43c4SZgQpSSYDWHX3NhjWg2jjN-IvPEg6ZCyxZKQPHa8k_4lkj2Q/s400/photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339013698667147218" border="0" /></a><br /><div id="post_message_1497282">Been a while... a long while... lots to catch up on...first, we are expecting our 3rd baby come November... more updates later...here are my random thoughts for the day..<br /><br />Does anyone else's mind wander around the 14th week? It is like a lull time in the pregnancy... I mean, the belly is growing but not showing much more than it was several weeks ago...I still look fat/pudgy rather than really pregnant. It has been a couple of weeks since my last appt and will be a couple more before the next one. No real movement yet. I am normally not all that nauseated now (although yesterday was the odd exception, blech!).<br /><br />I get this lull feeling, and almost like, am I really pregnant? or worse my mind wanders to "what if something is really wrong in there and I just don't know it yet!"<br /><br />I feel like i have the jitters of anticipation. Like I'm waiting for something big to happen, such as prom or my wedding.. but in reality I'm SO not ready for that and it's really a long way off!<br /><br />It is so easy to get distracted and not really think about being pregnant with a talkative 4 year old and silly 2 year old wandering about.<br /><br />At the end of the day I know God is in control of the whole thing, I don't have a moment by moment view of what is going on inside, but my Heavenly Father does...I'll trust Him, and be thankful for this lull....<br /><br />off to change the laundry out!<br /></div> <!-- / message --> <!-- sig --> _____Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-45304704557884122912008-10-06T18:10:00.003-05:002008-10-06T18:24:07.497-05:00Appreication...Did you know that October is Pastor appreciation month? Well guess what it surely is... most pastors know this fact, but most won't say anything to anyone and just wait patiently for the sheep they are charged with to know this and then act on this knowledge...<br /><br />I wanted to take a moment to show appreciation for the most influential pastor I've ever known.. this man is a true man of character, following Christ and leading his "sheep" after the good shepherd. He loves his flock, teaches, admonishes when needed, encourages, loves graciously, gives to them sacrificially on a very regular basis. He points them to Christ by his actions, being quick to forgive and never hesitant to ask for forgiveness...this man teaches his flock through words and example daily.<br /><br />He is ever on watch for wolves that would sneak in, he is quick to defend and protect his sheep. His love for and devotion to his flock is apparent to all who know him.<br /><br />James you pastor our home and we are so grateful of your faithfulness. We love you and appreciate you, the pastor of our home! Thank you for following Christ and leading us.<br /><br />Love you!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPM7LH9uHXei6XUq_GxPnW0_iYWN0YE72MeS356bOYCWQl7v1f2e18W-hpnXhfM8ErfFPWSv8i0MxTb5tEGXAL4KguuO69BTQgh1312Q4a-8h8phSJ2pREfj_Nr3otnyeCVbn2UUO6w_4/s1600-h/IMG_0087.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPM7LH9uHXei6XUq_GxPnW0_iYWN0YE72MeS356bOYCWQl7v1f2e18W-hpnXhfM8ErfFPWSv8i0MxTb5tEGXAL4KguuO69BTQgh1312Q4a-8h8phSJ2pREfj_Nr3otnyeCVbn2UUO6w_4/s400/IMG_0087.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254185596636752050" border="0" /></a>Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-24956933327097786682008-09-28T00:05:00.003-05:002008-10-05T15:53:02.541-05:00It all started...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLA3SuXG-vC21LTwDMw8ILu_shYO2zUaz8G5TaQd25q8b9b_X9zyoePqiII5vjXMtwhpUMaUde4Qf8XjaRENVEQpDlmq0AfDlA_lBvBvkfESSucn2JEEkSsO_GP8QOypYGJzWT7AGVgE/s1600-h/IMG_0184.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLA3SuXG-vC21LTwDMw8ILu_shYO2zUaz8G5TaQd25q8b9b_X9zyoePqiII5vjXMtwhpUMaUde4Qf8XjaRENVEQpDlmq0AfDlA_lBvBvkfESSucn2JEEkSsO_GP8QOypYGJzWT7AGVgE/s400/IMG_0184.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253775637955750722" border="0" /></a><br />The week after we found Jameson was a boy, James left for 2 weeks to Africa and Natalie and I laid in bed for nearly two weeks very sick with strep, and bronchitis. When we were finally better and James got home, I got a surge of energy and creativity. I stopped into the fabric store to find all the winter upholstery fabric on sale. I snagged several pieces I really liked in hopes of creating bedding for Jameson's baby room. That day I got some beautiful Sherpa fleece, in a brown tone that I just ADORED!<br /><br />I used that color to paint two walls of his room in our old house, and then loved it so much that when I needed a color in my kitchen before it went on the market, I got the same color mixed at half the amount, to make it a little lighter. Oh and that kitchen project was a remodel job that I took on while James was out of town, he came home with all new kitchen walls (stripped wall paper, retextured entire kitchen, and painted)<br /><br />Well, this past week James went to Washington DC and I went on a painting mission. We have a large dining area, and living room that are pretty connected... so I painted all of that area, what color, the same as that Sherpa fleece fabric in Jameson's baby bedding!<br /><br />I had never really painted and did not know "how" until Jameson's room got painted. My dear friend came and did most of the painting while I sat and watched and while our children played...she taught me several tricks and so now I can paint a room, fairly well! I love being able to add color (the previous color was stark white, we have mostly white tile with brown grout, so it was very very stark in our house... it's so warm and cozy now!<br /><br />Also while James was away our neighbor trimmed our palm tree for us...we've never had a palm tree in our yard and had no idea how to go about keeping it looking nice... so he did it for us... I made him some chocolate chip cookies tonight...the same friend that taught me to paint, gave me the best instructions on making cookies! they are truely yummy!Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-6238298651927947782008-09-25T23:07:00.002-05:002008-09-25T23:30:00.688-05:00Natalie...I'm pretty sure I could devote an entire novel to the conversations I've been having with my daughter lately... her imagination is blooming... She is a little shy about it, but still it's coming along. I don't feel I have much of one, so I try to encourage her small one as much as possible. <br /><br />Lately she's been talking about her sister, "Abbasheper" (pronouced Abba shep er). She is typically doing whatever Natalie is doing at the moment and if we go out, she stays home with Nana. <br /><br />The other day she started talking about working... she said she was going to work and I would take care of her babies and that if I wanted to work Nana could stay with her. <br /><br />Not only work talk but death. She asks me if things can die...like her dolls, her books, the dog, the trees...she is not at all sad when talking about these things, it sort of throws me off..I'm not really certian where it has come from or why. I try to answer as matter of factly and briefly as possible, then attempt to change the conversation, thankfully three year olds are easily side tracked, I just ask her about her sister! <br /><br />James has been gone this week, so I took the kids to Rubios for dinner... Oh their tropical wrap salad is amazing...mango, cranberries, grilled chicken, cabbage, almonds, mexican spices... all wrapped up in a green tortilla! And the kids quesadilla, is really great too...shhhh the kids don't know it comes with a Churro...James and I take turns distracting the kids while we split it!! they are none the wiser! Okay so we just sat down to eat, and took a few bites when Natalie excitedly said "oh no, we forgot to pray mommy" then proceeded to bring her mommy to tears with her prayer!!<br /><br />"dear jesus, thank you for this food, my sweet mommy, and my brother, help daddy get to the hotel, and bring him home safely too us, in jesus name, amen" You see James had not been gone a full day yet, I had not prayed with her, or prompted any of this! She choose those words all on her own..<br /><br />She is also a bit silly...she has been finishing sentences of mine with the phrase "in Jesus name Amen" totally at random... Me: Natalie buckle your straps (on your carseat) Nat: "In Jesus name amen" it's pretty funny to hear!<br /><br />I don't typically give my children much juice at all. They are big water drinkers, and fruit eaters, so that equals lots of juice in my mind! So really it's a special treat... well, Natalie spotted some in the fridge and said "mommy can we have a party?" And party we did... Natalie, Jameson, and I...right away on the patio... we celebrated a beautiful day, even put tiny straws in our cups to sip with!<br /><br />I'm sure this is typical with most all 3 year olds, but we have the exact same conversations every day... "mommy, is that a school or a park?"<br />"it's a school"<br />"why is it not a park?"<br />"because, it's a school"<br />"is it open"<br />"yes it looks to be open"<br />or<br /> (a target near us got torn down and is being rebuilt...it's only like 3 blocks from our house, so this conversation we have almost every time we leave the house)<br />"is that the new Target or the old Target?"<br />"that's the new Target, baby"<br />"is it open"<br />"not yet"<br />"why not"<br />"because they are not ready for us to shop yet"<br />"why"<br />"they have to get it all ready on the inside for us"<br />"but there are cars there"<br />"yes they are working on it for us"<br />"did we shop at that target?"<br />"no baby, we have not been to that Target"<br /><br />(typically by this time we are out of sight of the target, thankfully)<br />sometimes I mix it up, give her wrong answers, she corrects me, and then asks me why I said the wrong thing!<br /><br />Lastly, today we went to the Wild Animal Park... they had a cute little show on Africa... they had a man dressed as a very very large Gorilla... it made Jameson cry at first, then as the show ended Natalie was down shaking a rainmaker wtih the other kids and the Gorilla came back out...she ran away screaming for me...she was fine, but it really upset her... so tonight our conversation went like this as I put her to bed.<br />"mommy, I don't want that drilla to come here"<br />"no baby, it won't come here"<br />"oh, cuz it don't have a car"Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-26401653258479346122008-09-24T14:28:00.007-05:002008-09-25T22:51:21.959-05:00Ring Sling, Baby Wearing, and working from home!Just wanted to give a little plug for my<a href="http://www.wrappedinlove.net/"> </a><a href="http://www.wrappedinlove.net/">very dear friend</a><a href="http://www.wrappedinlove.net/">..</a><a href="http://www.wrappedinlove.net/">.</a> She is a stay home mom of 3 small boys. Her oldest was not even 3 when number 3 came along! Yeah she is a very busy woman! She has some great sewing skills and is putting them to work to help her family. She makes really beautiful ring slings and some really practical ones too!<br /><br />As a gift to me she made me this beautiful silk sling. Silk slings are not cheap, as silk is NOT cheap! But when comparing prices her prices are by far more affordable than the others on the internet. Here is a picture of Jameson in my sling featuring the "hip carry" position.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuR4ySrvkLyHo9ydsiv_0HBZCCA8cAgjWgF6WVo7e-Y1Fg4NDAIBY-sdbB5_jH1ybatz4XPgG8W0PVfQ05OePIs8Puz-AOQjOMac7HVwRAXerbN9fw2E2RrhP0zCZDuV2a3nMpNRv-FFM/s1600-h/DSC09564.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuR4ySrvkLyHo9ydsiv_0HBZCCA8cAgjWgF6WVo7e-Y1Fg4NDAIBY-sdbB5_jH1ybatz4XPgG8W0PVfQ05OePIs8Puz-AOQjOMac7HVwRAXerbN9fw2E2RrhP0zCZDuV2a3nMpNRv-FFM/s400/DSC09564.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249673629469829282" border="0" /></a><br /><br />She also has water friendly slings. So you can carry your baby on you while you go into the pool. As a mom of 3 small boys she is able to have two hands free while still tending to the littlest one! She makes the in two different materials. One is a mesh, sports like material. I have this one...it is a great sturdy fabric that does not hold water so by the time we are all dried off ready to go from a day at the beach, the sling is too! She also has a new water sling material... it's made of solarweave, that has a UV rating so your small baby won't get burned while they are still too small to use sun screen on! BRILLIANT!<br /><br />When my silk sling arrived in the mail, Natalie was so intrigued by it, she absolutely loved it, I even got her to get in it (it holds up to 40lbs) obviously most people won't be carrying around a 3 year old that much, they get heavy quickly and can walk! But we played with her in it for a while...of course she loved it. Natalie said "mommy maybe Miss Nikki can make one for my babies" So what did miss Nikki do...she made one for Natalie's babies! (she spoils us!) So she now makes "doll slings" so your little one can wear their babies too! And Natalie does too! We went to the wild animal park a few weeks back and Natalie had her baby in the sling, and was bouncing and shushing it! Here is a picture of the day we got Natalie's sling!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7HYOauhIV7XENS0K71fGxCfn2VJ0NZVbkQ2CQEQTWLj61Qhyphenhyphen9jkCWFSav8q1VYG4q8m1qT4OPzQaLm_hsDKebHMGkU-AywpAAL6LJbbOVlwQBz51ehw46FOQn3MCBmRuRFz3arg4Pt4/s1600-h/DSC09647.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7HYOauhIV7XENS0K71fGxCfn2VJ0NZVbkQ2CQEQTWLj61Qhyphenhyphen9jkCWFSav8q1VYG4q8m1qT4OPzQaLm_hsDKebHMGkU-AywpAAL6LJbbOVlwQBz51ehw46FOQn3MCBmRuRFz3arg4Pt4/s400/DSC09647.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249680404106377746" border="0" /></a><br /><br />When we go to the zoo, I take the stroller, but also throw in the sling... Jameson grows weary of riding in the stroller and I would quickly tire of carrying him or letting him walk... so I pull out the sling and pop him in it... he really loves being close!<br /><br />So if you are interested in slings check out <a href="http://www.wrappedinlove.net">Wrapped in Love</a> and see some of Nikki's awesome slings.Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-86147484526187035892008-09-18T13:05:00.002-05:002008-09-18T13:17:21.418-05:00We are not islands in this family!!!This morning Natalie very graciously and sweetly declined the eggs I made for breakfast. She said she'd like to have them "later" I informed her that she is to eat when it is time and the rest of the family is eating and that "later" would be at lunch time, no snacks, no food and nothing until it was time for lunch. She again, graciously said "no thank you" to the eggs, even asked if she could get a baggy to put them in. One last time I offered her the eggs, telling her she would be hungry, and once again, she very sweetly declined my plea to get her to eat. <br /><br />Well, we were in the grocery store at 930am and she was melting down for lack of food. (she did have a small glass of Kefir--her "coffee" she drinks every AM when she wakes up), We made it home and by this time she was really very hungry and begging to eat. I have to be a mommy of my word and she has to learn this life lesson the hard way...when it's time to eat, it's time to eat. I cannot and do not run an all day buffet. <br /><br />So to my point... Jameson and I are enduring her horrible behavior, tantrums and general bad mood because she refused her breakfast. Thankfully, she has pulled herself together, I set a timer for lunch and we are waiting for it to go off, she has distracted herself with playing dress up. <br /><br />It's amazing how God has woven us together as a "family unit" our decisions, good or bad have an effect on everyone else....it's so true and this little life lesson that Natalie is learning today is hard on all of us, but one she must learn. Too bad Jameson is still small and probably has no clue what is really going on to learn by watching his sister, that would be nice....but alas I'm sure we'll travel this same road with him soon enough! <br /><br />Well, the timer is about to go off... I'm gonna make lunch and then make some chocolate chip cookies, we have dinner with friends planned for tonight, I've been looking for an excuse to make some!Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-55097623111099124872008-09-15T16:52:00.002-05:002008-09-15T16:57:48.616-05:00Twitter...If you look right you will see my "Twitter"... yeah, I know most of the readers of my blog might not know what it is... it's a way to send quick short messages that broadcast to anyone that really cares to follow you and what you might say randomly throughout the day... I started it sometime back, mostly because my husband does this and thought I would too... I got a new phone that makes it much easier to do from the phone so I linked mine up to this blog... so you don't have to sign up for a twitter account...<br /><br />if you copy and paste the posts that have a web address that look like this one <span>http://twitpic.com/bp9v into a browser then you will see a picture that I took of the kids and wanted to share immediately... usually of what we happen to be doing at the moment... If you sign up for a twitter account, you can follow me too...it's more like "watch me" or have a peak on my day...rather than follow me...cuz if you really were to follow me, you'd better watch out...I'm pretty sure you will get something icky on your shoe!<br /><br />This is my effort to stay connected and share pictures more readily with everyone that wants to see them!<br /></span>Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-91885747096329287612008-09-14T23:33:00.006-05:002008-09-15T00:06:37.055-05:00Several things...Let's see...<br />Natalie has not ever been very creative when it comes to naming her babies... at first it was just "baby" then when we named Jameson, all of Natalie's babies became "Jameson" (even though they were all "girls")<br /><br />So when we came back from Texas all of them were still Jameson accept one was now Ellie, the same name as her friends baby...<br /><br />Well, the other day she was bringing some babies to us, and she said "that's Ellie's sister" James said "oh what is her name?" to which Natalie replied<br />"Futon Girl"<br /><br />This is Futon and her mommy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPRcShp2hxntX4tmAC5seQ_uto25K09J8S7HcRZGvwUnIP8IzJVl8inaUVPOcySkhf4MyORq7X65EmPmm6LbwfaDT8z8TS3Lv5iSoq8trtuW4WjvUzXse9A_LUZUx7auf9BXqHQEv154/s1600-h/natalie+and+futon+girl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPRcShp2hxntX4tmAC5seQ_uto25K09J8S7HcRZGvwUnIP8IzJVl8inaUVPOcySkhf4MyORq7X65EmPmm6LbwfaDT8z8TS3Lv5iSoq8trtuW4WjvUzXse9A_LUZUx7auf9BXqHQEv154/s400/natalie+and+futon+girl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246108444885863858" border="0" /></a><br />---<br />Jameson has had a cold, and is getting 2 more teeth...this boy is really pushing to get all of his teeth in before 18 months! He is currently working on his "eye" teeth, which I think are contributing to his runny nose! Today he was saying "mommy said no no" he's been talking up a storm saying lots of new words every day, and repeating almost everything he hears...<br /><br />He's being selfish with the kisses...if you ask for one, he will say "NO" and shake his head while walking the other way... but today he started this frankenstein like walk with his arms out, shoulders shrugged coming at ya, wanting a hug... of course we ALWAYS oblige, and snag a kiss while were at it!<br /><br />---<br /><br />We have been exploring San Diego, yesterday James found out there is a "Scenic Route" here that is 59 miles long... we drove a section of it, and landed on the most Southwestern Point of the US... it's on Point Loma, which is an area of San Diego... A beautiful cliffside view of both the Pacific Ocean as well as the San Diego Bay, and Coronado Island... They say in the winter you can see whales migrating through the pacific waters from up there....we'll be headed back for some whale watching this winter!<br /><br />here's some pics we snapped while up there!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhn3Jo3TDx9qEsq7JbYXXmgyHhsb7IDQZOF2Wzde49Q_-qQqsWxYMFV6WW3pb8dIcCTsqfxX7SC5O7RPHMq1TaNLbB9O8lImFOXJetx3gSC-a8J_QWrLpkhXhY5Xp588Tx-kpE3hT3Vk/s1600-h/n1037845821_139948_7578.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhn3Jo3TDx9qEsq7JbYXXmgyHhsb7IDQZOF2Wzde49Q_-qQqsWxYMFV6WW3pb8dIcCTsqfxX7SC5O7RPHMq1TaNLbB9O8lImFOXJetx3gSC-a8J_QWrLpkhXhY5Xp588Tx-kpE3hT3Vk/s400/n1037845821_139948_7578.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246109752003069314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AIFW9JXI8Y8U__0dVQTkJ-fFADuBzHSo2dtp1k20T1mLXwRcVt73YOJAgZMHj9VJsZNPdeyhPd0hLPejR0HwVCrXiIVQR33sWJMz8ZPuU7LmVMEGHsY8mlzkrpRmq903LCnUmsMTJ1s/s1600-h/n1037845821_139947_9101.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AIFW9JXI8Y8U__0dVQTkJ-fFADuBzHSo2dtp1k20T1mLXwRcVt73YOJAgZMHj9VJsZNPdeyhPd0hLPejR0HwVCrXiIVQR33sWJMz8ZPuU7LmVMEGHsY8mlzkrpRmq903LCnUmsMTJ1s/s400/n1037845821_139947_9101.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246109668214747714" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZUGTVD8Us0UWjjrMuldL_1PjyTrXJfe6D9NzdsBe1PZUDvvUvLQVTF6WoJ2KskhBMPP2gTHHkHYLR4QugMj11mcjcnZ_QUyBgikyaO9-jKqoFTwt9eRSz0PdEC0ABZsGiE9fPt4Ekn0/s1600-h/n1037845821_139946_7544.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZUGTVD8Us0UWjjrMuldL_1PjyTrXJfe6D9NzdsBe1PZUDvvUvLQVTF6WoJ2KskhBMPP2gTHHkHYLR4QugMj11mcjcnZ_QUyBgikyaO9-jKqoFTwt9eRSz0PdEC0ABZsGiE9fPt4Ekn0/s400/n1037845821_139946_7544.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246109458735769890" border="0" /></a><br />---<br /><br />I finished my book "Feminine Appeal" this is literally the first book I've read cover to cover in a very long time... I'm hoping to get more reading in...but we'll see!<br />Speaking of... I've been pondering quit a few things lately...really thinking about how quickly my small children have already grown... it often takes my breath away...<br /><br />I got out for a little while today with out kids...so I listened to the radio really loud...and of course it was some Country Music... I landed on the song "Sud in the Bucket" by Sara Evans. While I really hope my daughter does not "up and run away" at 18 with some guy, leaving me wtih a note...some of the lines of the song really hammered home to me how quickly it will be and my girl will grown..<br /><br />I am always looking to get past phases, stages... I really don't stop to listen and enjoy my kids near often enough... take time to just have some simple fun...nothing elaborate or exciting and most of all, putting aside all the "to do's" you know the things that occupy the mothers mind, dishes, dinner, lunch, laundry, diapers, baths...seems my brain is always occupied with something that needs to be done... not that I'm really all that on top of all of this, it's just cluttering up my brain interfering with me enjoying and treasuring these moments... I won't ever get them back... in a little while Natalie won't dance through the grocery store singing silly songs, Jameson won't always adore peek-a-boo with his mommy. My attitude and cheerfulness drive so much of our home... I really pray that my 'tude' is one of joy and excitement about the life God has blessed us with. I pray that we are able to make fun memories of simple every day life and that I can be in the moment fully with a cheeful heart and a mind that is present to enjoy the fun, not dazed with a list of to do's cuz you "CAN'T FENCE TIME" (words to the song "sud in the bucket" if you did not know)<br /><br />"The LORD is my strength and my shield;<br /> my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.<br /> My heart leaps for joy<br /> and I will give thanks to him in song. " Psalm 28:7Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-47397927467458008662008-09-02T15:59:00.002-05:002008-09-02T16:09:11.979-05:00Girl Talk and my new Manual!I have always longed for mentors in my life... Godly women that have traveled this road before me. Women to look to for wisdom, straight talk, counsel and encouragement in being a Godly wife and mother.... I know most other Christian women seek the exact same thing. Many of us feel ill equipped and realize quickly after getting married and particularly after having children just how much we don't know. <br /><br />Well, a <a href="http://talesfromtheshoe.blogspot.com/">friend</a> of mine posted a blog reference to <a href="http://girltalk.blogs.com/girltalk/">Girl Talk</a>. It's a blog written by Carolyn Mahaney and her three Adult, Married Daughters. While browsing this amazing information I stumbled up on the book Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney and immediately ordered it. The first few days I read over half of it... now I really don't like to read books and quite honestly I am very slow at it as well...<br /><br />I have since deemed this book, my Christian wife/mother's handbook... Carolyn outlines Titus 2:3-5, <span style="font-style: italic;">Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. </span><br /><br />She unpacks all that is in this, says it straight and even clarifies the kind of "love" this passage refers to. <br /><br />So if you are like me, longing to have that female Godly counsel, get this book, read it...I guaranty you will be challanged, in need of serious repentance, instructed and encouraged!Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-32870544797859420422008-09-01T01:42:00.003-05:002008-09-01T01:51:39.765-05:00This is not photo shopped!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3CSSwnUMewJsmCF8E9JnLHRu5kecytyZPQSoGEifQMhyphenhyphen1XWpwgDmdmlsOp3SZipGn0nxmBlLJF4_1fApisKM_jofmZ1cSLGFS-XTSSl8uMS7nRNXnRWPe4DAv9ZgnZBn6p18XPJFb14/s1600-h/2796792974_96edd98e34_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3CSSwnUMewJsmCF8E9JnLHRu5kecytyZPQSoGEifQMhyphenhyphen1XWpwgDmdmlsOp3SZipGn0nxmBlLJF4_1fApisKM_jofmZ1cSLGFS-XTSSl8uMS7nRNXnRWPe4DAv9ZgnZBn6p18XPJFb14/s400/2796792974_96edd98e34_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240941862772634594" border="0" /></a><br />Well, James got me a cool bike for my birthday...but having a bike for just me would be, well...not very fun if I had to bike all by myself all the time...<br /><br />Some friends loaned us their "chariot" to tote the kids around in behind my bike and James got a cool bike too...<br /><br />Last Saturday AM we loaded up the bikes, kids, snacks, blankets and went to Balboa Park (a really groovy place here that has a boat load of museums and neat buildings, huge park, much to Natalie's dismay did not have readily available slides/swings, the trappings of a normal kid park)...<br /><br />We had so much fun that morning, we headed home for naps and my hair cut appointment, then after much needed rest and a hair cut for me we picked up some burritos and quesadillas and trecked back to Balboa for an afternoon of more biking fun.<br /><br />We stumbled upon a great little grassy area...it was tucked behind one of the furthest buildings in the park. It overlooked downtown SD and all of the planes headed for a landing at San Diego airport flew right over our heads! We laid on the blanket and looked up at every airplane that went by as Jameson stood and pointed at...he was filled with glee as if each "eh-pee" came by for his personal enjoyment!Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-47511338841648044882008-08-22T17:33:00.003-05:002008-08-22T17:42:49.044-05:00Lessons from the swing!Earlier this week I took the kids to a neighborhood park to play and have lunch. Both of them LOVE the swings...they have 2 regular swings and 2 baby swings... The park was not busy so we got lots of swinging time in. Natalie started out life HATING the swing...she would scream and shake with fear until she was 18 months old... now her dad has taught her to go really high and she digs it!<br /><br />Well, being that it was just me with the two of them I had to go back and forth taking turns pushing them...<br /><br />As soon as I'd give Natalie the first push she would insist rather abruptly that it was not high enough, almost throwing a fit for wanting to swing "higher and higher" She was extremely impatient and rude to me, requiring that I swing her high instantaneously. She did not realize that getting some serious height in a swing requires time... If I were to push such a small person really high she's probably be way off balance and fall out... so I had to build her up to it... But she wanted it instantly and not wait... yet I had to teach her that it would come... seemed like each time during our trip she got on the swing we would again have the same conversation...<br /><br />Life is like that in so many areas, we want to be at the pinnacle of an experience, IMMEDIATELY, rather than take the time to get there properly.<br /><br />Jameson on the other hand was content to bend over the baby swing and watch the ground go by no matter the speed or height of the swing...Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-79515976850318288872008-08-18T17:07:00.004-05:002008-08-18T17:15:29.066-05:00"Watch your mouth young lady"While in the car today I got into a turn lane and realized it was not where I needed to turn and was frustrated that I had to turn anyway due to traffic... When I realized this I said what Natalie thought was "oh crab" (only yes, I said the 'other' word!) So from the back seat lots of giddy laughter abounded as she repeated "oh crab, momma" in her serious fake voice. (she lowers her tone of voice and over acts the part of being upset just to pretend she is upset) Yes she was mocking me and thought she was really funny. <br /><br />I gotta put an editor on my mouth, er my heart!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Mathew12:34</span>Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-40107715256626011962008-08-12T16:17:00.004-05:002008-08-12T16:28:17.362-05:00Southern FriendsI grew up in the "south" although I really did not realize it, as I thought that "The South" meant, Georgia or Mississippi or even Alabama. I have come to realize that Oklahoma and definitely Texas are also "The South" I am seeing it more now that I am out of it. I can see how people are really different here in California. It's good, just different....<br /><br />A very southern friend of mine sent this to me. I am not one to typically even read "forwards" but I decided that one entitled "Southern Friends" might be worth my time. I really wanted to share it here because it summarizes many of my random thoughts on my transition in the friends I've made and the people I've met here.<br /><br />For disclaimer purposes please note that I am so thankful for my new "West coast Friends" but my southern friends will always have a special place in my heart. Thankfully, I've run into a few transplants like myself and well, we are trying to bring the southern hospitality to the peeps here. <br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">There are great differences in friends and Southern Friends ...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">FRIENDS: Never ask for food. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Always bring the food. And lots of it. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">FRIENDS: Will say 'hello'. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will give you a big hug and a kiss. More than one. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr. and Mrs. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Call your parents Mom and Dad, and often. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Cry with you. And for you. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">FRIENDS: Will eat at your dinner table and leave. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will spend hours there, talking, laughing, and just </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">being together. Then help do the dishes before leaving.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">FRIENDS: Know a few things about you. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you. And </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">most of the time know you better than you do yourself.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing. <br />SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will kick the whole crowds' back-ends that left you.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">Then walk beside you in the front of the crowd. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">FRIENDS: Would knock on your door. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Walk right in and say, 'Are you home?' If you are not </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">home they will wait.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">FRIENDS: Are for a while. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Are for life. And then some. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">FRIENDS: Might ignore this. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will forward this to all their Southern Friends </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">Without hesitation I have been Blessed with SOUTHERN FRIENDS</span><br /><br />And an interesting note, I have vivid memories of arriving home with my grandparents and them having visitors waiting for them on the couch! Friends who had dropped by and let themselves in and waited for our return.Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-65592593016777577622008-08-08T15:20:00.003-05:002008-08-08T15:28:38.091-05:00Texas, Wedding, Friends, Community<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1WJV-53Mn5q7mqYffsYu8OxMOTjbey1PUMo2_wxiSQkLNbBwhb_2eRzGib6xNmIIiWr62-wygh3zmOGu6Z8Kh_EDC5jVyFB8sASSsCYoA06pYkXKMF3orzSxJhbXs4BP0pynOfXWp8k/s1600-h/DSC00159.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; clear: both; float: left;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1WJV-53Mn5q7mqYffsYu8OxMOTjbey1PUMo2_wxiSQkLNbBwhb_2eRzGib6xNmIIiWr62-wygh3zmOGu6Z8Kh_EDC5jVyFB8sASSsCYoA06pYkXKMF3orzSxJhbXs4BP0pynOfXWp8k/s320/DSC00159.JPG" border="0" /></a> Well, July 25th the kids and I flew to Dallas. Natalie was asked to be a flower girl in our neighbors wedding. She was 14 when we moved into our house and now she is all grown up! James was also asked to officate the wedding, so a big ole family affair. I have been a bit homesick this summer and so I convinced my husband to allow the kids and I a week in Dallas ahead of the wedding festivities. I'm so grateful he allowed us to go. I really needed it.<br /><br />We stayed with our dear friends. They have small children (the oldest is 6) add my 2 in there and it was a crazy household of fun. The kids played great all week, we swam, had a playdate with about 12 other moms and their kids(I'm pretty sure it was over 30 moms/kids under one roof). No one really went outside as it was horribly HOT. We also went to see a butterfly exhibit at a nature<br /><br />At the wedding Natalie was just adorable and smiled so perfectly for the camera, I'm quite certian there were nearly as many pictures of her as the bride! James also did outstanding and I think made the wedding just beautiful with his "officiation".<br /><br />The trip was really refreshing for me. I was able to spend excellent quality time with my mom, and dear friends. I've realized over the past 2 months how important being tightly knit to God's people through community really is. These friendships have changed my life and continue to do so. I have been reminded of how Paul the apostle longed to see the "saints" that he wrote to. It's all through out the letters. Never before did I quite understand how deep this longing could be. Not until now. It's amazing to me how life situations can put such an illumiation on scripture and make something written a very long time ago, relavant to us right now.<br /><br />We are blessed with many new friendships in San Diego, and with time I'm certian they will be as deep, and meaningful as the ones we cherish in Dallas. I doubt seriously this will take away the longing in our hearts to be with our friends... (although we do not long for the Texas heat for one second!)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Jameson Sharing Daddy's flower with Nana! She kept him during the wedding.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAh4KtndH1Ukd3_FMZGCe2MgUUtr7p839LlghDM4-0l2MUXDdFO750I_rtXql5rgye2hobWOamsvjibgmSyWjTt6tvvJtZIlFgd0nIsvIi48mg9AySCBYSId2_b3J0Nx71S9hDSPgm_oA/s1600-h/DSC00171.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAh4KtndH1Ukd3_FMZGCe2MgUUtr7p839LlghDM4-0l2MUXDdFO750I_rtXql5rgye2hobWOamsvjibgmSyWjTt6tvvJtZIlFgd0nIsvIi48mg9AySCBYSId2_b3J0Nx71S9hDSPgm_oA/s400/DSC00171.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232245129551922978" border="0" /></a><br />Natalie went swimming after the rehearsal. Our neighbors allowed us to swim there all summer last summer! We sure miss them! (this is the Bridesmaid Natalie stood next too during the ceremony, she and Natalie became instant friends!)<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AsxwxJ0c3aELpVpm_E1Q7lmr8C5n7MzL_pyi3dc1zt5Mw4p9s1IATcRBS448I9YApZygknHMmexPBcrdXrvnRE_hPymBSeF_rEL77odXboOC8COD5wdxmujO4b_upVAATjpJNgv1b00/s1600-h/DSC00121.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AsxwxJ0c3aELpVpm_E1Q7lmr8C5n7MzL_pyi3dc1zt5Mw4p9s1IATcRBS448I9YApZygknHMmexPBcrdXrvnRE_hPymBSeF_rEL77odXboOC8COD5wdxmujO4b_upVAATjpJNgv1b00/s400/DSC00121.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232244869453337730" border="0" /></a>Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-36850076534809383242008-07-24T14:58:00.005-05:002008-07-24T15:24:19.764-05:00Silly Boys IIIThird video in the series!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz8gj1AM2MhC2Jj5fvZWqy-OaajJQgqGnKvMySbFQ8APbF6XiNuLoQ7p6g1u5ig-2LVYY7gN1QuXe2xqWFbVA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-57926689205688242632008-07-24T14:53:00.003-05:002008-07-24T15:24:10.994-05:00Silly Boys II<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxtBA0ufRBG7M_ilHlai54utJkZkSFrc8Lut3b1xWzgJlnxMGOuUPkPWvqRJm2IljhcwNw5Yw3UqwefUphK' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-46420879313387782322008-07-22T19:12:00.008-05:002008-07-24T15:23:52.443-05:00My Silly Boys Part II really don't feel the need to make any comments...their actions speak for themselves! 3 posts to get them all in!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyjc55lb-guOSxrn6LcrNnqNLFtDbRkVVIR3ii-C1_fKn1C5B7rdVOWYmgFgNsVb0FXuKpLqJMWpZsajIKAqg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-60709632162030166012008-07-20T22:52:00.002-05:002008-07-20T23:17:02.087-05:00I just never realizedHow much "new moms" need encouragement! <br /><br />When I was pregnant with Natalie and had so many questions and insecurities God gave me a wonderful friend, She had been down the same road twice just a few years earlier and was pregnant again at the very same time as me. Amy and I became such great friends during this transition time in my life. Here baby was born just a few weeks before Natalie and so every little thing that happened I'd comment or ask Amy about and she would give me great wisdom, understanding or just a listening sympathetic ear. She knew to check in on me and make sure I was doing okay... She seemed so confident in her mothering skills that I just assumed that she "had this baby thing down" and did not need all the reassurance that I seemed to need as a first timer. <br /><br />I've come to learn that she was just a really good friend and went elsewhere with her need for reassurance! But as we became closer friends she shared her struggles with me, and it helped me see that I was not crazy but actually quite normal! <br /><br />Another friend of mine just had her 4th. She structures her home much like I do, she has routines and so forth. Her oldest is just 6 and yet she came to ME, asking ME for help with getting her newborn through some sleep issues... I mean, for crying out loud she is the mom of 4...she has done this more than I have... how in the world could I possibly tell her something she does not know already...<br /><br />Well come to find out, she knew exactly what to do... BUT, in the midst of sleep deprivation, juggling more than you've ever juggled in your life and adjusting to this new person in your home and family you NEED reassurance and a comforting listening ear. Someone to see things that has a perspective you don't. Every woman needs a good friend to come along beside them during this time of transition and encourage them, lift them up, hold the flash light that lights up the path. <br /><br />Being a mom is amazingly wonderful and gloriously sanctifying at the same time....and God has not created us to be lone rangers, he made us to be in community with each other...<br /><br />So whether a woman has just given birth to number 2 or number 8, I'm certain she needs friends to walk with her and encourage her....Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-28776232737398973172008-07-13T23:34:00.000-05:002008-07-13T23:34:48.820-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgjKzZouAyJCShWxBJNgY15MsGjdQwDrrGWmXAXOVony_IoxtVYoftRd5YIbxN3u5Ch0DOqf8fFiyZG7e53aX3TsDNhaL8ofZELBI61XTjnn77XsoUoqnhqHeWyjpXThOXyqhUwiyEJE/s1600-h/DSC09989.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgjKzZouAyJCShWxBJNgY15MsGjdQwDrrGWmXAXOVony_IoxtVYoftRd5YIbxN3u5Ch0DOqf8fFiyZG7e53aX3TsDNhaL8ofZELBI61XTjnn77XsoUoqnhqHeWyjpXThOXyqhUwiyEJE/s320/DSC09989.JPG" border="0" /></a> We had some family come to visit last week. James' younger brother came with his beautiful family and his in-laws too. See we live just about an hour from Disney Land! (yes that's right, so plan your vacation to Southern California, stay wtih us a little while and visit the happiest place on earth!). So they did just that, went to Disney and stopped by here on their way home. They have 2 children, a girl and a boy. that are almost exactly the same age difference as Natalie and Jameson. Only they are 2 years older than our two. So Natalie LOVED playing with her cousin... They all visited the U.S.S. Midway that is permanantly docked in the San Diego Bay and open for tourists.. (doesn't it look like fun, to be on board an aircraft carrier? Makes you want to come visit? Right?)... Natalie is on the right and her almost identical cousin is on the left! Future Pilots?<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-82346815902863288322008-07-13T23:26:00.001-05:002008-07-13T23:38:09.907-05:00Big News<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><br />Yup he's walking! and those are shorts by the way...just a little droopy on him! This was taken last weekend, he is now walking everywhere almost all the time!<br /><br /><br />and this is our silly goofball!</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVL73nVyy1Ps8xf6R6Qs46Ssb9NIO13JhwgH3bbjSkFJol2Dlo9pdlLiXejIyb4ujQ-IE1rVdAEIhKd8t7O6PRzXtGJK6H0pCqkx5dEv6KePIW3NgF1wG4jAgA7kHPAx5AoQNA2hxTNkA/s1600-h/MOV09982.jpg"><br /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyOlYB9wp-unj7FWy38DhuE2Clu5Xi5eTK81OpH76e9HgC_-LN8FsUcaDDIFtsV2yQhFMdCVa9PgCOhme89Ig' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-87863735359573595102008-07-07T11:39:00.002-05:002008-07-07T11:41:52.239-05:00Welcome to FacebookI feel SOOO behind! I'm just now getting on Facebook.com My sweet husband has been on for a while, and apparently MANY of my friends have been too...<br /><br />James actually had to sit down and sign me up to get me going...I'm passing out flair like crazy today..so look out!<br /><br />Well..come on over and check it out....if your not there already look me up...I'll be your friend!Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-25041444318819138992008-07-03T11:20:00.003-05:002008-07-07T11:42:43.773-05:00A Day at the Beach<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">This past Saturday we spent at Mission Beach. It is a 15 minute drive from our house! I still can't believe we live so close to the ocean. Actually we went back on Sunday and played at the park that is on the beach and did not swim. (it was late and sort of chilly). And yesterday the kids and I packed up and went on a play date wtih a couple of friends. I took the camera yesterday but totally forgot to take pictures.<br /><br />When I go by myself we head over to the bay side, the water is calmer, but not as nice..more like Oklahoma lake water... but the kids mostly just play in the sand anyway.<br /><br /><br />These are some pics from Saturday.<br /><br />Natalie cheesing it up!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Vsq8OFOiQrU8kVZvvizxlPU3-m10gj-U_4wCzzNNe0Vecn3wK9ASguAO3KSy3TKVOmadIwkjKY4DN7OqfSRPRsYwXAN2lQDM47wh4dm-Dlh5vSGnhZL67KWppM0O6zqzQAsIzcyD9Yk/s1600-h/DSC09926.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Vsq8OFOiQrU8kVZvvizxlPU3-m10gj-U_4wCzzNNe0Vecn3wK9ASguAO3KSy3TKVOmadIwkjKY4DN7OqfSRPRsYwXAN2lQDM47wh4dm-Dlh5vSGnhZL67KWppM0O6zqzQAsIzcyD9Yk/s320/DSC09926.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jameson was so mad I made him wear the hat. He cried the saddest cry and snuggled me, but left it on!<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYoW4m5J5YPok5bZ0_xwkAjvJEMAygjfZefyExMM60q5-AfKdESWkAHcRL2AokLlPe7R44QmyGjn8CgwVnU0IjEBHeU3xtipAy1XwVt2V7YmQUcI5W8_IVzPP5AMA4kXT9jKkSL2GMvU/s1600-h/DSC09934.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYoW4m5J5YPok5bZ0_xwkAjvJEMAygjfZefyExMM60q5-AfKdESWkAHcRL2AokLlPe7R44QmyGjn8CgwVnU0IjEBHeU3xtipAy1XwVt2V7YmQUcI5W8_IVzPP5AMA4kXT9jKkSL2GMvU/s320/DSC09934.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Daddy lost his beloved Oakely sunglasses. He's had them for over 5 years and has lost them in public places several times, always to recover them...but Saturday they were swept out to sea!. He and Jameson spent quite a bit of time combing the beach looking for them, we came home without them :(<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBgzu3AJ76X9U6naCNQWTljdRRvoZUGURzBC8YhIWtZ5UvMN6ciLr9SXzTj_IY5zouct_WMe5vCN-mmmIvWv1L70hwB5XPH26LBI6k2e5CbMlt7RuP4MwwcVxA05-v8I7Bl4JbQqBOnI/s1600-h/DSC09935.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBgzu3AJ76X9U6naCNQWTljdRRvoZUGURzBC8YhIWtZ5UvMN6ciLr9SXzTj_IY5zouct_WMe5vCN-mmmIvWv1L70hwB5XPH26LBI6k2e5CbMlt7RuP4MwwcVxA05-v8I7Bl4JbQqBOnI/s320/DSC09935.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Natalie, resting from lots of water play, you can see the water cup and snacks all around her!<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Qv72h2Y5x3D6j0jpZvr-N7IP-donMGR2vQRcRPzJ0RXmjlNUh3mEVQZqftCGOBR1oGym5zm18RMq-7R5E_7k5r23oXZ0o2ILci6flPPfl57Z1_MIniRmnFps9sYL8mgomKelTfTUCJM/s1600-h/DSC09936.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Qv72h2Y5x3D6j0jpZvr-N7IP-donMGR2vQRcRPzJ0RXmjlNUh3mEVQZqftCGOBR1oGym5zm18RMq-7R5E_7k5r23oXZ0o2ILci6flPPfl57Z1_MIniRmnFps9sYL8mgomKelTfTUCJM/s320/DSC09936.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-58321322260592944052008-07-02T17:17:00.001-05:002008-07-07T11:42:20.084-05:00MMMMM....This is good!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><br />Tri Tip Goodness!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJPB8onxQTqA6Slx9M_67iGDVDsffiPs2hPiyRQqZUrum_orjSyeX6UhWUsqpKfxcgtWYlgwRexGFQ2xX5_5g4a2t1ahPfNsioTPKkrYZtt9R4KDsIq9yngzhod9-HLKqeM2VxyuR_lA/s1600-h/DSC09970.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJPB8onxQTqA6Slx9M_67iGDVDsffiPs2hPiyRQqZUrum_orjSyeX6UhWUsqpKfxcgtWYlgwRexGFQ2xX5_5g4a2t1ahPfNsioTPKkrYZtt9R4KDsIq9yngzhod9-HLKqeM2VxyuR_lA/s320/DSC09970.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I made this for dinner last night! I've never heard of "Tri Tip" apparantly it's a roast cut of beef. A few of our new friends we going on about how great it is, I saw some at Trader Joe's with a yummy looking marinade, so I figured I'd give it a whirl..<br /><br />Probably the single best meal I have ever prepared myself.<br /><br />MOST EXCELLENT!<br /><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726795238931444609.post-74943772916225526872008-07-01T15:35:00.002-05:002008-07-01T15:54:20.594-05:00Deb's Enchillada's!I really can't believe I'm posting this, but alas, it's some deep random thoughts.<br /><br />I've been looking for some nice reusable outdoor plates and cups for us to use. We eat about 95% of our meals outside! I found a cute set on walmart.com... I thought just maybe the store would have it in stock... turned out not to be the case...but something bigger happened as I entered the store...<br /><br />Do you have a favorite food that you absolutely LOVE one specific recipe for, and nothing else will do...all others are just different, don't quite satisfy like this one recipe. For me it's Enchiladas. the first time I ever ate them was in junior high, my neighbor made them. I don't think they were very authentic "Mexican" enchiladas, as I recall she was using a recipe that called for lots of Campbell's soups so she could cut off the lables for her kids to take to school... Well, now I don't have that recipe (she made it uniquely hers anyway), but every other enchillada is okay...but just not the same...<br /><br />So that's about how I've been feeling her in California... It is nice, the weather is beautiful, we live right by the beach (going tomorrow with friends), the best zoo, we will be getting Sea World passes. Disney land is an hour away... But everything about California is just a little different... parking spaces are lots smaller, grocery stores are layed out a bit different, every where I turn everything just seems a bit off to me... it's just not what is familar and every where I turn I'm reminded how much I really miss Texas, my friends and my family. Even shopping at Target is so different for me. The only Target I've ever really shopped at was a TEXAS sized SUPER Target... HUGE parking lot with wide spaces to pull my van into... wide isles to stroll my cart down, lots of food, and fun stuff to brouse... the Target here is <span style="font-size:78%;">tiny</span> <span style="font-size:100%;">by comparison. <br /><br />Now normally I don't like Wal-mart... I've had lots of bad experiences there and have made it known to most anyone who will listen how much I loathe having to go in there for something...<br /><br />When I entered Wal-mart today I got this overwhelming sense of "home" I still don't like Wal-mart so much, but being there today was refreshing for me... The parking spaces were a little bigger than normal ones around here (or maybe I'm just getting used to them?) but the store looked just like all of the ones I'm used to... it's not a SUPER wal-mart, but I think that's what I dislike the most.. it just felt so nice and familar... <br /><br />I still miss my friends, family and the familar something fierce... but today was nice to see something that was familar! <br /><br /><br /></span>Tracybug Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515262179190947014noreply@blogger.com